Housing Market: California Solar Mandate Loophole

Published: Nov. 15, 2019, 2:55 a.m.

California’s landmark mandate for rooftop solar panels on all new homes may have a big loophole. The requirement is set to take effect on January 1st, but the utility district in Sacramento wants to expand an exemption that allows for the use of off-site solar farms. Critics say it will reduce the benefits of the mandate, but the proposal is getting support from home builders who want the option to keep construction costs down.